How To Start a Commercial Cleaning Business From Scratch in 2026

Commercial cleaning is a different world from residential work. You’re dealing with property managers and facility directors with strict standards. A strong setup can ensure you’re positioned to win these contracts and equipped to meet such expectations. 

In this guide, you’ll learn how to set up your business structure, secure proper licensing and insurance, price your services, and build a foundation for long-term success in the commercial cleaning industry.

Starting a Commercial Cleaning Business: 10 Practical Steps

• Research your local commercial cleaning market

Before you invest your money, you must understand who your potential clients are and what services they actually need. Consider the opportunity to serve commercial properties, as this sector offers significant growth and income potential. Identifying and targeting potential customers in these markets is crucial. This research phase saves you from expensive mistakes later, like buying the wrong equipment or targeting people who don’t need your services.

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Combining online research with local observation gives you a clear picture of the demand in your area. Researching your market and competitors can help you attract new customers by revealing gaps and opportunities to stand out.

Scout your target area (online and in-person)

Start by researching local business districts, office parks, and industrial areas online using Google Maps or local business directories. Look for clusters of facilities that match your ideal client type.

If you’re in a smaller city or county, you can also do light in-person scouting: just a quick drive to note which facilities look actively maintained and which might need help.

Pay attention to:

• Visible upkeep inside and outside buildings (signs of consistent cleaning quality).
• Types of facilities (offices, retail, warehouses, medical).
• Operating hours (tells you when cleaning happens).

Combining online research with local observation gives you a better sense of where demand might exist and which properties might be underserved, which can help you decide which potential clients to target.

Analyze your competition

Look up local commercial cleaning companies and review their websites, service offerings, and Google reviews. Look for gaps in their coverage or weak spots in customer feedback. Maybe every competitor focuses on basic office cleaning, but nobody specializes in post-construction or daycare cleaning.

Pay special attention to reviews that mention dependability issues: late arrivals, missed appointments, or inconsistent work quality. 

Commercial clients often switch providers because of these reliability problems, not price. Understanding what frustrates customers most helps you position your business as the dependable alternative they’ve been looking for.

Talk to decision-makers

Before launching, try to talk with property managers, building supervisors, or facility directors about their biggest cleaning challenges. Ask what frustrates them about their current vendors and what qualities they value most.

These conversations give you insights that online research can’t match. You’ll better understand what businesses actually need, which helps you shape your services and pricing around real demand.

Listen to other commercial cleaning pros 

You can also ask other commercial cleaning pros in your area and online where they’ve found success.

For instance, in a Reddit thread about the most lucrative commercial cleaning contracts, one responder said, “The holy grail is Daycares. I’ve been actually running through all my new Daycare leads last two weeks, and I am killing it! Daycares get so dirty cause of the kids, etc., and Daycares can’t keep up.”

Insights like this can inspire you to look into potential clients you might not have previously considered. 

• Define your commercial cleaning niche

Commercial cleaning usually involves providing ongoing professional cleaning services for businesses, schools, or other non-residential facilities: places that need consistent upkeep and sanitation.

It’s distinct from specialty cleaning, which covers more technical or regulated work such as biohazard cleanup or grease-trap waste removal and transport. These jobs often require additional certifications, advanced safety training, and special insurance coverage. While some commercial cleaning companies might offer specialty services as part of their broader packages, most primarily focus on core cleaning tasks like vacuuming and surface sanitation. Commercial cleaning often requires longer-term contracts and formal bids, setting it apart from more ad hoc or one-time specialty jobs.

If you’re just starting out, it’s smart to focus on niches that are accessible and in steady demand in your area. Trying to serve everyone spreads your resources thin and makes marketing harder. Instead, choose a niche based on local demand, your background, and profit potential. Consider offering certain types of services or products—such as eco-friendly cleaning solutions or specialized spill cleanup—to attract specific client segments and stand out in your market.

Here are a few niches to consider:

Niche type	Overview	Why it’s a good fit (or not)
Office cleaning	Standard cleaning of office spaces after business hours. Involves dusting, vacuuming, trash removal, and restroom upkeep.	Easiest entry point for new business owners. Requires basic equipment and provides recurring work.
Retail or restaurant cleaning	Focuses on storefronts, dining areas, and restrooms. May include kitchen or food prep zones with grease management.	Great for beginners who want predictable evening work and steady local clients.
Daycare or educational facility cleaning	Involves sanitizing classrooms, toys, and bathrooms to meet health standards for children.	Requires reliability and attention to hygiene. You may need staff background checks.
Warehouse or industrial cleaning	Includes large floor spaces and equipment. May involve dust control or machine cleaning.	Pays well but often needs specialized training or equipment.
Medical facility cleaning	Covers clinics, dental offices, and hospitals, requiring strict safety and disinfection protocols.	High-paying, but may be better suited for experienced cleaners with advanced training.
Post-construction cleanup	Removes dust, debris, and adhesives after building projects.	Moderate barrier to entry. Great for those who can handle heavier work and tight deadlines.

Starting small doesn’t mean thinking small. Begin with 1 type of facility that matches your experience and local demand. Once you’ve built a solid reputation, you can confidently expand into related or more specialized services or niches.

Did You Know?

The demand for eco-friendly cleaning services is growing rapidly, with more and more companies looking for sustainable cleaning solutions. Before getting started, see how much money you can charge for different kinds of cleaning services.

• Create your business plan and financial projections

A business plan forces you to think through operational details and financial realities before you spend money. You don’t need a 50-page formal document unless you’re seeking bank financing, but you do need clarity on your strategy and numbers.

Outline your core strategy

Start by defining your target market, the specific services you offer, and what makes you different from other cleaning companies already operating in your area. Maybe it’s your specialization in a particular facility type, your use of eco-friendly products, or your commitment to background-checked, well-trained staff.

Calculate your startup and operating costs

Many new cleaning business owners underestimate how much it costs to get started. Jared Sarbit, CEO of Picture Perfecting Cleaning, notes that “We started small, and our initial startup costs were in the ballpark of $10,000 to $15,000 CAD. That covered basic equipment, uniforms, insurance, initial marketing, and business setup.”

That’s a good benchmark, but your costs will vary depending on your location, team size, and services.

Monthly operating expenses will likely include:

• Labor costs, including payroll taxes: These can add 15–20% above base wages. Check average pay for commercial cleaners on sites like Glassdoor or ZipRecruiter to build accurate estimates.
• Cleaning supplies and equipment: Compare prices from commercial suppliers or local janitorial stores.
• Vehicle expenses: Factor in fuel, maintenance, and possibly van leasing if your team travels to multiple sites.
• Business insurance premiums: Talk to brokers who specialize in cleaning businesses for tailored quotes.
• Software for scheduling and payroll: Estimate monthly subscription fees if you plan to use digital tools.
• Marketing costs: Budget for ads, printing materials, and your website domain or hosting.

Estimating these numbers gives you a clear picture of how much capital you’ll need. From there, you can decide whether your savings will cover startup expenses—or if you should explore financing options like small business loans, equipment leasing, or local grants for service businesses.

For a detailed breakdown of startup costs, check out our guide on how much it costs to start a cleaning company.

Project your revenue realistically

Before you dive in, figure out how much money you’ll actually need to make to stay afloat. Add up your estimated monthly expenses (see above). 

From there, determine how many steady contracts you’d need to break even. 

How quickly do you think you can acquire these contracts? Try to project this realistically, too, so you can plan your cash flow. And be aware that commercial cleaning clients move slowly. Contracts often require proposals, approvals, and budget reviews before you can even get started.

If your numbers show it’ll take longer than expected to turn a profit, don’t panic. It’s better to find out early. You might adjust your pricing, focus on smaller recurring jobs first, bolster your marketing efforts to land contracts more quickly, or offer add-on services to bring in extra cash while you grow.

• Choose your business structure and register your company

The legal structure you select protects your personal assets and makes your business credible to commercial clients who won’t work with unregistered operations. Choosing the right business entity, such as an LLC or corporation, helps you operate legally and be recognized as a legitimate business.

Most commercial cleaning businesses start as limited liability companies (LLCs) because they offer liability protection without the complexity of a corporation. This means that if a client sues over property damage or an employee injury, your personal assets stay protected. You can learn more about other business structures in our guide on legal requirements for starting a small business. You must register your cleaning business to ensure compliance with local business and tax laws, and you will need to create a corporation or limited liability company (LLC) to register your business.

Here’s what you need to do:

• Register your legal name with your state, and obtain a Doing Business As (DBA) license if your company name is different from your legal name.
• Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS (it’s free).
• Open a business bank account using your EIN.
• Apply for the required business licenses from your city and county.

Some municipalities require general business licenses, while others have cleaning-specific regulations. For example, many cities require a janitorial services permit or environmental cleaning certification if you handle hazardous waste or post-construction debris. Many states require a cleaning business license, a certificate of registration, a vendor’s license, or a seller’s permit, and you may need additional permits depending on your services and location. Some states also require proof of workers’ compensation insurance before issuing a license.

Don’t skip the registration process. Failing to meet local or state requirements can prevent you from bidding on contracts, especially government or large corporate accounts.

To stay compliant, check with:

• Your city or county clerk’s office for local business licensing rules.
• Your state’s Department of Labor or Environmental Protection Agency for industry-specific regulations (for example, some commercial cleaning companies in Texas may need to register as sludge transporters if they transport grease trap waste).
• The Small Business Administration (SBA) website for a step-by-step guide to local compliance.

• Secure proper insurance and bonding

Commercial clients simply won’t hire you without proof of adequate insurance, and many require bonding before they’ll even look at your proposal. General liability insurance is required by most commercial clients to cover property damage or injuries.

Commercial cleaning involves risk. You’ll be working in facilities with valuable equipment, sensitive data, and sometimes hundreds of employees. Beyond general liability and workers’ compensation, many contracts also require surety bonds to protect clients against theft or accidental damage caused by your team. Janitorial bonds specifically protect clients against employee theft and help build trust in commercial cleaning contracts.

Here’s how to get started:

• Compare general liability insurance policies that cover property damage and bodily injury. This is a fundamental coverage that protects your business from common risks and is often a requirement for commercial contracts.
• Work with a business insurance broker who understands service industries and can bundle:
• Workers’ compensation insurance, which is required in most states for businesses with employees.
• Commercial property coverage.
• Commercial auto insurance (if you use company vehicles), which protects against legal liabilities, property damage, and medical expenses from accidents involving business-owned vehicles. Consider optional policy add-ons to tailor coverage for your business needs.
• Explore janitorial or surety bonds from local insurance agencies or bonding companies. Look for small-business options with low premiums and easy annual renewals.
• Consider a business owner’s policy (BOP), which bundles general liability insurance and commercial property insurance for comprehensive and cost-effective coverage.

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For a detailed breakdown of coverage types, costs, and bonding steps, see how to get your cleaning business bonded and insured.

• Invest in commercial-grade equipment and supplies

Commercial cleaning demands more durable, efficient equipment than residential work because you’re covering significantly larger square footage in shorter time windows. As your business grows, you might add commercial-grade vacuums, carpet extractors, floor machines, and transport equipment to your arsenal to boost cleaning effectiveness and efficiency.

Start with quality basics

Jared Sarbit recommends focusing on reliable essentials: “Solid vacuum, microfiber clothes, quality mop system should all be within your starting point. You need reliable and high-quality equipment, but not necessarily professional-grade right at the start.”

Your essential starting equipment includes:

• Commercial backpack vacuum: More efficient than uprights for large spaces.
• Microfiber mop system: Cleans more effectively than traditional string mops.
• Color-coded microfiber cloths: Prevent cross-contamination between areas.
• Commercial cleaning chemicals: Professional-grade products for different surfaces.
• Caddies and organizational tools: Keep supplies accessible and organized.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE): Provide employees with items like gloves, goggles, and masks when exposure to chemicals or airborne particles is possible (it’s an OSHA requirement).

The color-coding system matters in commercial settings. Use blue for glass, red for restrooms, green for kitchens, and yellow for general surfaces. This prevents accidentally spreading bacteria from a restroom to someone’s desk.

Plan for specialized equipment

As you grow, you might add floor buffers, carpet extractors, and potentially pressure washers. These investments let you offer higher-margin services, but they’re pricey purchases you don’t need on day one. Rent them for specific jobs initially, then buy once you have regular contracts that require them.

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For a complete breakdown of what you need and estimated costs, here’s our cleaning business tools and supplies list.


• Develop your pricing structure and service packages

Commercial cleaning pricing works completely differently from residential. Instead of charging hourly rates for one-time deep cleans, you’re bidding on recurring contracts based on square footage, frequency, and scope of work. Hidden costs, such as payroll taxes, supply maintenance, and vehicle expenses, can add up quickly, so be sure to factor them into your service packages.

Calculate your true costs first

Before you can price competitively, you need to know your actual numbers. Sarbit advises, “I’d recommend starting with your true costs like labour, travel, supplies, and then build in a healthy but competitive margin.”

A common mistake is underpricing because you forget hidden costs, like these:

• Base wages plus 15% to 20% for payroll taxes.
• Workers’ comp insurance (varies by state).
• Supply and equipment maintenance costs per job.
• Vehicle expenses and fuel.
• Your time for management and oversight.

Use square footage pricing

The standard approach for office cleaning is pricing per square foot. Rates typically fall between $0.08 $0.20 per square foot, depending on frequency and services. Higher frequency typically means lower per-visit pricing because you’re doing maintenance cleaning rather than deep cleaning.

Create clear service tiers

Make it easier for clients to understand what they’re getting by offering distinct packages:

• Basic: Trash removal, vacuuming, restroom cleaning.
• Standard: Everything in Basic plus dusting, spot cleaning, and break room maintenance.
• Premium: Everything in Standard plus periodic deep cleaning, window washing, and carpet spotting.

This structure creates natural upselling opportunities and helps you avoid scope creep, where clients expect more services without paying more. It also makes proposals clearer because clients can easily compare options and choose what fits their budget.

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For more insights on maintaining healthy profit margins, read our guide on cleaning business profit.

• Build your team and train them properly

Commercial contracts often require multiple cleaners working simultaneously, especially for larger facilities. As your business grows, hiring and training a cleaning team becomes essential to meet increasing demand and maintain service quality.

When developing your training program, make sure to cover not only cleaning techniques and customer service, but also train staff on OSHA standards and chemical safety to ensure consistency and safety in service delivery.

Hire for reliability first

Look for reliability and a positive attitude over experience when hiring. You can train someone to clean properly, but you can’t teach punctuality or integrity.

Key hiring practices:

• Run background checks only after a conditional offer, and make sure you comply with your state or city’s fair hiring laws. Many commercial contracts still require these checks, so it’s best to use a licensed screening provider familiar with local regulations.
• Verify references from previous employers.
• Look for people with reliable transportation.
• Make expectations about punctuality crystal clear.

Build a training program

Jared Sarbit emphasizes that “the most critical part of launching a cleaning business is having absolute clarity on your standards and values. The right culture that is built up from day one will show in the quality of your company’s work.”

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Your training should cover:

• Proper techniques for different surfaces.
• Chemical safety and OSHA-compliant training, including how to read Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and follow the Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom).
• Equipment operation and maintenance.
• Time management for completing routes efficiently.
• Professional behavior in client facilities.
• Specialized procedures for high-risk or regulated environments, such as post-construction cleanup, medical facilities, or industrial sites.

If you plan to specialize in medical, industrial, or post-construction cleaning, look into voluntary certifications. Programs like ISSA’s Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) or OSHA safety training can help you meet compliance standards and stand out to larger clients.

Did You Know?

Connecteam lets you easily put together a training course and deliver mobile training to your frontline teams. They can complete the course from anywhere, saving you valuable time and money and ensuring compliance. Plus, you can store all training materials, certifications, and safety checklists in a digital format so team members can access them anytime on-site.

Get started with Connecteam for free today!

• Market your services and build long-term contracts

Commercial clients don’t find you through Facebook ads or door hangers. Your marketing needs to reach actual decision-makers: office managers, property management companies, facility directors, and building owners. Effective marketing strategies are essential for attracting clients and establishing a strong brand image in the commercial cleaning industry.

Building a simple website is essential for any commercial business owner who wants to be taken seriously. Your website should clearly display your contact info (phone number, email, and physical address), define your service area, and include customer testimonials. This not only helps with brand recognition but also makes it easier for new clients to find and trust your business. A straightforward website increases your visibility in search results and attracts more clients without requiring a complex design.

Pursuing positive reviews online can provide a significant boost to your new cleaning business. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews after service completion, as positive reviews enhance your credibility and attract more clients through word-of-mouth marketing.

When doing outreach, ask existing customers for referrals and involve them in feedback sessions to improve your sales pitch and build stronger relationships. Connect with local businesses and attend networking events or chambers of commerce meetings to expand your network and promote your services. Networking and local marketing help you scale your cleaning business and build strategic partnerships within your community. Additionally, utilize online platforms and bidding sites to get more cleaning contracts and reach more clients.

Building a professional brand and reputation drives growth in the commercial cleaning industry. Using digital tools can save time, help you manage more clients efficiently, and allow you to invest in higher-end equipment as your client base grows.

Build your digital foundation

Start with a professional website that clearly explains your services, service areas, insurance coverage, and relevant experience. You can launch one easily using free or low-cost site builders like Wix, Squarespace, or Google Sites, and many offer cleaning business templates with built-in contact forms and image galleries.

Your website should include:

• Specific facility types you serve.
• Your insurance and bonding information.
• Client testimonials and case studies.
• Clear contact information and service request forms.

Google reviews carry enormous weight in commercial cleaning. Brian Davis from Handy Rubbish explains: “The best approach has proven to be word-of-mouth AND Local Digital. We also put a major emphasis on Google Reviews, sustainable branding and constantly following up with happy clients for referrals.”

To earn more reviews:

• Ask clients right after a successful job and share your Google Business Profile link by text or email.
• Offer small incentives such as a free add-on service for returning customers who leave honest feedback.
• Respond to all reviews promptly to show engagement and professionalism.

Davis notes, “Real-life testimonials and visible green credentials are everything when it comes to gaining trust.”

Once you’ve collected a few solid reviews, you can expand your visibility with geo-targeted ads. Start small on Google Ads or Meta (Facebook/Instagram) by targeting local service areas and job titles like “property manager” or “facility director.” 

Use direct outreach

Create a target list of businesses in your area and reach out via email or phone. Eli Barker’s experience confirms that personal contact works: “This may sound obvious, but knocking on doors. The cleaning industry is still very much about building personal connections. Our business started initially by going and talking directly with local property management companies to clean for apartment turnovers.”

Your outreach should be professional but personal. Mention something specific about their business, explain how you solve common cleaning challenges, and ask for a brief meeting.

You can also leave behind professionally designed flyers that highlight your commercial cleaning services, insurance coverage, and contact information. For guidance on creating effective marketing materials, check out our guide on cleaning flyers.

Prioritize retention

Once you land contracts, keeping them is far easier than constantly finding new ones. Sarbit explains the key: “For long-term contracts, the key has been consistency and communication. Follow-ups and proactive service checks will go a long way as clients don’t always just want a clean space but peace of mind that the cleaning is being done the right way.”

Schedule quarterly check-ins with each client to:

• Discuss their satisfaction with your service.
• Ask about any changing needs.
• Address small issues before they become problems.
• Explore opportunities for additional services.

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4 Bonus Tips: Starting a Commercial Cleaning Business on a Tight Budget

Wondering how to start a small commercial cleaning business with little or no money? You don’t need a big upfront investment. These quick tips show how to build early momentum, attract clients, and grow steadily while keeping costs low.

Start with your existing network

You don’t need a marketing budget if you have relationships you can tap into. Contact former employers, family businesses, or friends who work in offices about your new cleaning business. Offer a discounted trial period to prove your reliability and work quality.

As Barker suggests, “Start by leveraging your existing network; focus on family, friends, and neighbors. Maybe they work in an office and can talk to their manager about having you clean for them.”

One solid client reference opens doors to similar businesses because commercial decision-makers trust peer recommendations more than advertising.

Rent equipment for specialized jobs

Instead of buying expensive specialized equipment up front, rent it for specific jobs. This approach lets you offer premium services without tying up thousands of dollars in equipment that sits unused most of the time. Once you have regular contracts that require specialized equipment multiple times per month, you can justify purchasing it.

Use free marketing channels

• Create a Google Business Profile and optimize it with photos of your team in uniform, your equipment, and the areas you serve. Post regularly about your services, respond quickly to questions, and ask satisfied clients to leave reviews.
• Build an Instagram presence showcasing your work through before-and-after photos, behind-the-scenes content of your team in action, and client testimonials. Commercial decision-makers often check social media to get a sense of your professionalism and consistency before reaching out.
• Join local business groups on LinkedIn and Facebook, where facility managers congregate. Offer helpful advice about cleaning challenges without constantly pitching your services. When members see you as knowledgeable and genuinely helpful, they’ll think of you when they need a provider.

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